- From: Millfield, Loretto, Whitgift & Bradfield School
- Date: Wednesday 18th February, 2015
- Subject: Comments from players that competed within the II Desert Springs & Millfield European Schools Team Championships and their Coaches/Staff between 14th - 17th February, 2015
Sixty-one (61) full time students accompanied by fourteen (14) coaches and staff representing; Millfield, Bradfield, Loretto & Whitgift School, competed in the ‘II Desert Springs & Millfield European Schools Team Championships’ at the Desert Springs Resort between Saturday 14th to Tuesday 17th February 2015.
The Team Championship was open to boys and girls of all ages with a maximum handicap of 24 and was held over 3 days (54-Holes). For tournament day one & two the format was 4 Ball-Better-Ball Pairs Stableford Points. The format for tournament day three was team individual Stableford Points Scores being combined to achieve the Teams accumulative Stabelford score.
“A very well organised, structured and implemented tournament.
The golf was excellent and a very valuable experience for Loretto Golf Academy in preparation for the 2015 season.
Based on this years experience and excellent customer service, we will be back next year!”
That is the verdict of Ryan Scott, PGA Coach for Loretto Golf Academy based at Scotland's leading Scottish private boarding school, set in 85 acres of leafy campus just outside Edinburgh that provides an all-round education for just over 600 boys and girls aged 3-18.
Loretto School Golf Academy Winning Team Members Sam Ledbury, John Dunn Butler, J P Ralph and Nicholaj Dahl with (Far Left) Loretto Golf Academy Assistant PGA Coach Tom Pichard, (Second Left) Ryan Scott Loretto Golf Academy PGA Coach and (Far Right) Loretto School Director of Sports Dave Burton Director
18-year-old Tom Meadows with a handicap of 22, from Loretto Golf Academy remarked:
“Although the course is narrow and challenging I have loved playing The Indiana at Desert Springs in the two years I have visited”.
“The Indiana course was in perfect condition and the catering was wonderful. The weather was sublime and our team won, all in all, a sensational week!”
“The Indiana course was in great condition and very challenging as always. The practice facilities are amazing, the best I have ever used, and the staff were all so friendly – a great week!”
Those were the respective views of 18-year old Chris Sinclair with a handicap of 23 and 18-year old Sam Ledbury with a handicap of 3.5, from Loretto Golf Academy.
Angus Flanagan from Team ‘Bradfield 1’ Winner of the Best Male Individual Scratch competition
Colin Burgess, Head of Golf at Bradfield College commented:
“This was an excellent tournament for our teams. We brought a very mixed group (H/Caps 0-26) and every one of them gained a great deal of valuable and competitive experience. The accommodation is first class, the facilities excellent and readily available, the meals much appreciated and enjoyed, and the tournament itself extremely well run.
Our less experienced players were made to feel both relaxed and welcome and all of our players thoroughly enjoyed being able to take part.
We played the course in a range of conditions from benign to challenging, so each round was totally different.
The information provided on a daily basis was very helpful, both with regard to the tournament schedule and getting prompt and detailed results.
Overall we have been made to feel very welcome and have greatly appreciated the help and hospitality that we have received.”
15-year-old William Gray with a handicap of 18, from Bradfield School remarked:
“The course was very well presented and managed in regards to a fantastic pace of play. The staff were all very polite and the food was excellent. I hope to be back next year!”
15-year-old Angus Flanagan with a handicap of 0, from Bradfield School remarked:
“I loved the 19th Hole- Service, awesome practice facilities and the staff were all so helpful and friendly.”
Sophie Caldon from Team ‘Millfield 2’ Winner of the Best Female Individual Scratch competition
Karen Nicholls, Millfield School Director of Golf, commented:
“A great few days of golf on a challenging course with greens in excellent condition.
It was great to see young golfers mixing from different schools, making new friendships along the way.
It is always a fantastic experience at Desert Springs and Millfield School are pleased to have our association with the resort.
Thank you to you all, it was a fantastic tournament and we look forward to returning next year!”
18-year-old Beth Scott with a handicap of 5, from Millfield Golf Academy remarked:
“Thank you for a great stay, the apartment was lovely!
The staff were always there and willing to help us.
The course was in brilliant condition and the scenery was wonderful.
Thank you for a brilliant stay and I will hopefully see you soon”
16-year-old Elliot Dawson with a handicap of 5, from Millfield Golf Academy remarked:
“The golf was an entirely unique experience and I have never played a course like it.
The course layout was perfect for the event.
The apartment was very warming and we all felt very welcomed by the staff.”
William Gray from Team ‘Bradfield 2’ Winner of the Best overall individual Stableford points score
